Confederation Cup update - Mario Balotelli powers Italy to late Confederation Cup win over Mexico

 Mario Balotelli, in white Jersey, scores Italy's winning goal against Mexico in the Confederations Cup.

Mario Balotelli's strength powered Italy to a 2-1 victory over Mexico at the Confederations Cup.
In the 78th minute Balotelli collected an acrobatic pass from Emanuele Giaccherini and muscled between two defenders to break the deadlock at the renovated Maracanã Stadium. Celebrating his 100th cap, Andrea Pirlo had given Italy the lead with one of his trademark free-kicks in the 27th minute.

Mexico equalised in the 34th minute, when Javier Hernández converted a penalty after Andrea Barzagli tripped Giovani Dos Santos.

"I was dreaming of a free-kick goal," Pirlo said. "It was important to win the first match and now we have three days to recuperate. It's nice to be applauded in a legendary stadium like this."

Italy dominated possession while Mexico relied on counter-attacks, coming close when Andrés Guardado hit the crossbar in the 11th minute. Italy moved level with Brazil in Group A after the hosts beat Japan 3-0 in the tournament opener on Saturday.

The Azzurri had not impressed in their last two matches, drawing with the Czech Republic in a World Cup qualifier and with Haiti on arriving in Brazil this week, but Pirlo and Balotelli made the difference this time. For his 13th goal for Italy, Pirlo curled a shot over Mexico's wall into the top left-hand corner after Balotelli earned the foul that set up the free-kick from 30 yards out.
Hernández's 33rd goal in 51 appearances for Mexico means the 25-year-old Manchester United striker is on course to better the Mexico record of 42 held by Jared Borgetti.

As usual, the temperamental Balotelli by turn misbehaved and by turn proved unstoppable.
At one point midway through the second half, Balotelli kicked his boot across the area after being thwarted by Mexico's stubborn defence.

But the Milan striker finally broke through as the match appeared headed for a draw, holding off the Mexico captain, Francisco Rodriguez, then powering past another defender, Hiram Mier, to slot the ball in